Gloucestershire claimed on Thursday that the rejection of their redevelopment plans will make it almost impossible for the club to remain in Bristol.

Redevelopment proposals for the County Ground were rejected by Bristol city council's planning committee by six votes to four, much to the dismay of Gloucestershire's chief executive, Tom Richardson.

"We are bitterly disappointed by this decision," Richardson said. "This decision means that the international cricket programme in Bristol now stops and will be lost for ever. Furthermore, our overall future in Bristol is also in doubt. It is no secret that Gloucester would be very keen to have us.

"The funding from the development will be lost and the city [Bristol] risks losing what could be its only sports stadium. We need to consider our options, but time is running out."

Gloucestershire's chairman, Rex Body, added: "No decision has yet been reached in regard to an appeal, but this is being considered by the club and will be discussed at a forthcoming board meeting."